Consultation Report on Proposals to Amend Driving Licence Standards for Vision and Epilepsy

This consultation was issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) on changes to the UK minimum medical standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy in relation to driving. A total of 132 organisations and individuals commented on the proposals. These included a cross section of interested parties including individuals, advanced driving instructors, general practitioners, local government, optical organisations, road safety organisations, medical charities and organisation who represent individuals with an interest in the medical fields of vision, diabetes or epilepsy.

Out of the 132 responses received, 31 responses were received specifically on the vision proposals in the consultation. Out of the 31 responses, 17 disagreed with the recommendations, stating the standards needed to be stricter. One disagreed with the recommendations, stating they should be relaxed further. 10 agreed with the proposals. Two agreed with some proposals and disagreed with others and one gave no comment.

Of the 132 responses to the consultation received, 35 related specifically to the diabetes proposals. Of these 30 agreed with the proposals. Three disagreed because they considered further relaxation was appropriate; two responses were unclear.

Out of the 132 responses received, seven responses were received specifically on the epilepsy proposals in the consultation. Of these four agreed with the proposals. One said the standards should be relaxed further. Two responses supported some of the recommendations but were against others.